$8,880

55

Over six years ago I began an independent film project inspired by gifted filmmaker Joshua Bee Alafia. The journey began with a few simple words, “Hey Love, Let’s Make a Film.” As an actor, I had appeared in character roles for both film and television, but I never imagined myself behind the camera.
Filmmaking is an extremely expensive field that I could not imagine conquering. I remember asking a DP on a film set what it really took to make a film, and he said, “Electra, it takes unyielding desire and passion to tell a story.”
My adventure was both challenging and exhilarating. I poured my heart and finances into telling a story that travels through Harlem, New York; Hamburg, Germany; and Paris, France.

Hamburg, Germany

The Plot

"Maybe Dreams Can True” is loosely based on events in my life. It is strange and ironic to write these words, but I was at one time considered an expatriate. My history gave me the desire to expose the realities of living away from one's country and culture. The main character in the film (Chocolat) is a young woman torn between nurturing her love relationship in America, while continuing to explore a booming entertainment career in Europe.
Chocolat is determined to build a transcontinental bridge to maintain both love and career.

Harlem, NYC, USA

The plot evolves into a documentary medium. Chocolat uses a small video camera as a tool to explore and question her life through interviewing others.
Her questions include, why are her friends abroad? Do they intend to return to their native countries? We discover some of the common elements that drew them from their homes: economics, political climates, sexual freedom, and much more.

"SILVER" (Das Musical) from "Maybe Dreams Can Come True"

Why 6 Years To Complete the Film?

The answer is in the title, “Maybe Dreams Can Come True.” Artists have a natural longing to express their talent, even simply for themselves privately. But life can bring detours and doubts to a very focused dream. Simple tasks such as eating, paying rent, and supporting family, can become huge obstacles when you merely thirst for creativity. “We all want to make a place in this world, we all want our voices to be heard.”

Harlem, NYC, USA

Africa in Paris, France

Why We Need Your Support!

Your donation to this project will cover expenses towards:

16mm film to HD transfer

A color correction of the film

Subtitling

Editing

Editing studio time

Mastering the audio

A sound mixdown

Other post production needs

To find out more information about “Maybe Dreams Can Come True” go to:

Risks and challenges

Recently, while standing in line in a Harlem supermarket, I had an epiphany while talking to a customer from Jamaica. During our discussion, he asked me, “What is your film about?” I responded that it was primarily about people like himself. Individuals who have chosen to live away from their country and culture. He stated, “Oh, dream chasers.”

That moment made me reflect on the numerous challenges ahead as a dream chaser myself. I am already working on the risks of making a six-year-old project appear relevant and current to its viewers. Also, having recently returned to the lifestyle of a freelance artist, there is enormous uncertainty regarding financially stability.

I am optimistic about receiving support from initiating this campaign, but I am aware that the filmmaker’s journey does not end with a completed product. Then comes the tireless quest to share your idea with others, the hefty fees for entering film festivals, and the ultimate search for distribution. The journey doesn’t really end. Hopefully, all of these efforts move on to future projects.

Clearly, those who choose to support me are chasing dreams of their own. I thank you all in advance for your understanding and assistance in this long journey. There are several obstacles ahead of me. But this reality empowers me to catch hold of my dream, and make it come true.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

DIGITAL DEDICATIONS. You will receive an email with a picture of members of the cast and crew on the set of “Maybe Dreams Can Come True;” the film’s official postcard signed by the directors; and an exclusive link to a complete online album of behind the scenes production stills. And a Special Thanks in the film credits!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

CHOCOLAT’S DOCUMENTARY. You will receive an HD Digital Download of never before seen footage of the lead character’s documentary. The movie shows Chocolat filming throughout the feature with a small video camera. She uses the video camera as a tool to explore and question her life. Receive a copy of her director’s cut. And learn what she discovers. You will also receive an E-Thank You, Digital Dedications, and a Special Thanks in the film credits!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

A GALVEZO-SALES ORIGINAL DESIGN T-SHIRT. The print images are from the musical “Silver;” which was created exclusively for the film, “Maybe Dreams Can Come True.” An E-Thank You, Digital Dedications, Chocolat’s Documentary, and a Special Thanks in the film credits!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

TWO TICKETS TO THE RED CARPET PREMIERE IN PARIS, HARLEM, OR HAMBURG. Join us for the red carpet premiere of "Maybe Dreams Can Come True" in the city of your choice (travel and accommodations not included). You are invited to a private meet and greet before the screening. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the film with various members of the cast and crew. You will attend an invitation only mixer following the presentation. And you will also receive An E-Thank You, Digital Dedications, Chocolat’s Documentary, A Galvezo-Sales Original Design T-Shirt, and a Special Thanks in the film credits!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

AN ORIGINAL LIMITED EDITION (PARIS NOIR 2000) POSTCARD SERIES.
You will receive the exclusive eight postcard series in its own personal passport carrying case. The creators of Paris Noir 2000, photography and art direction team Sales/Weston, share their series entitled, “Are there black people in France?” It is a photo documentation of one of the most culturally and racially unique districts of Paris (the 18th arrondissement). Also, An E-Thank You, Digital Dedications, Chocolat’s Documentary, A Galvezo-Sales Original Design T-Shirt, Two Tickets to A Red Carpet Premiere, and a Special Thanks in the film credits!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

A PARIS NOIR VINTAGE PRINT.
You will receive an haute quality print of a photo from the Paris Noir 2000 Sales/Weston series. There were numerous images shot depicting the cultural diversity of the illustrious “city of light.” You will receive a beautiful image that was not included in the 8 postcard series. You will also receive An E-Thank You, Digital Dedications, Chocolat’s Documentary, A Galvezo-Sales Original Design T-Shirt, Two Tickets to A Red Carpet Premiere, The Paris Noir 2000 Postcard Series, and a Special Thanks in the film credits!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

AN AUTOGRAPHED THEATER SIZE MOVIE POSTER.
You will receive an autographed theater size poster of “Maybe Dreams Can Come True.” The poster will be personally signed to its owner by the directors of the film. You will also receive An E-Thank You, Digital Dedications, Chocolat’s Documentary, A Galvezo-Sales Original Design T-Shirt, Two Tickets to A Red Carpet Premiere, The Paris Noir 2000 Postcard Series, A Paris Noir Vintage Print, and a Special Thanks in the film credits!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

AN ALAFIA WORLD CINEMA INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER Q&A SESSION. AND AN ASSOCIATE PRODUCER CREDIT TO THE FILM.
You will have 30 minutes on Skpe with the co-director/cinematographer of
“Maybe Dreams Can Come True.” Award winning Filmmaker Joshua Bee Alafia (a graduate from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a BA in Film) has been freelancing as a cinematographer and editor in World Cinema for numerous years. His international film career spans across South America, Africa, and Europe. You can begin by discussing the intricate details of shooting his films “The Seed (Ethiopia),” “Cubamor (Cuba),” and “Se Safando (Salvador Bahia, Brazil).” Or opt to cover filmmaking in general, from tips on technique, to story structure, to independent distribution strategies. You will also receive An E-Thank You, Digital Dedications, Chocolat’s Documentary, A Galvezo-Sales Original Design T-Shirt, Two Tickets to A Red Carpet Premiere, The Paris Noir 2000 Postcard Series, A Paris Noir Vintage Print, A Autographed Theater Size Movie Poster, and a Special Thanks as an Associate Producer in the film credits!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

A DIRECTOR’S PRIVATE WALKING TOUR OF PARIS, HARLEM, OR HAMBURG. AND AN ASSOCIATE PRODUCER CREDIT TO THE FILM.
You will receive an intimate walking tour of one of the three cities highlighted in the film (travel and accommodations not included). The tour will focus on the locations shot in the movie. But it will also include historical sites. You will sit with the director in a beautiful café in the city of your choice; while discussing the intricate details of choosing shooting locations, independent filmmaking, and capturing the beauty of a city. In addition, you will receive An E-Thank You, Digital Dedications, Chocolat’s Documentary, A Galvezo-Sales Original Design T-Shirt, Two Tickets to A Red Carpet Premiere, The Paris Noir 2000 Postcard Series, A Paris Noir Vintage Print, An Autographed Theater Size Movie Poster, An Alafia World Cinema/Independent Filmmaker Q&A Session, and a Special Thanks as an Associate Producer in the film credits!